Trek Windproof Umbrella, Black

Why it works as a gift

An umbrella is one of those things almost everyone owns and almost nobody owns a good one of. Most are bought in a hurry from a pharmacy shelf and turn inside out at the first gust. That gap is what makes the Trek a sensible gift: it replaces something they use constantly with a version built to last, and they will think of it every time the weather turns.

Weatherman lists the specifics. The Trek opens to a 50-inch arc, folds to 19.5 inches and weighs 1.36 pounds, with a fiberglass-reinforced frame the brand says was wind-tunnel tested to 55 mph. It opens with a button, closes by hand, and the canopy is water-repellent fabric made from recycled material, with UPF 50+ sun protection and reflective trim around the edge for dark evenings.

The limited lifetime warranty is the strongest argument. Weatherman says it will fix or replace an umbrella with a damaged handle, frame or canopy, with the owner covering shipping. Purchases from Amazon are covered once the buyer fills in the registration form on Weatherman's site, which is worth doing on the recipient's behalf. Compared with a pricier designer umbrella, this is chosen for function, not a logo.

Who it’s for

• A husband, dad or friend who walks to the train or office in all weather
• A city-dwelling sister or mom who keeps an umbrella in her bag and is tired of replacing cheap ones
• A client or colleague who travels often, as a useful thank-you that doesn't need sizing
• Someone who seems to have everything, since few people buy themselves a better umbrella

Skip it if

• They drive everywhere and rarely walk in the rain
• They already carry a sturdy travel umbrella they like
• They want a full-size golf umbrella for maximum cover; the Trek is a compact 50-inch arc
• They want a featherweight umbrella for every bag; at about 1.4 pounds it is solid rather than ultralight

Giving it

• Register the warranty on Weatherman's site for Amazon purchases; the brand says purchases from unauthorized third parties are not covered
• Black is the most versatile color for work and evening wear; Weatherman also makes the Trek in brighter shades
• Pair it with a cashmere scarf from Shnoop's picks for a cold-weather commuter set
• Returns on this listing go through the Amazon seller, Weatherman Umbrella Official

The facts

Arc and open diameter

50-inch arc; 40-inch open diameter

Wind rating

Wind-tunnel tested to 55 mph, per Weatherman

Closed length and weight

19.5 in; 1.36 lb

Frame and canopy

Fiberglass-reinforced frame; water-repellent canopy from 100% recycled fabric; UPF 50+; reflective trim

Operation

Auto open, manual close; wrist strap

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty on handle, frame and canopy (owner pays shipping); excludes wear and tear and misuse; Amazon purchases need online registration

Sold by (this listing)

Weatherman Umbrella Official on Amazon

Consider instead

• Fishers Finery Herringbone Cashmere Scarf — Another cold-weather everyday piece for a commuter
• Fellow Carter Move Travel Mug — A second daily-commute upgrade at a similar budget
• Bellroy Hide & Seek Slim Bifold Wallet — A slim everyday-carry gift for someone who travels light